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Scenic Byway Tour Day ~ July 11, 2009
by Mike Nolen & Jack McGowan

On a perfect Saturday in mid July the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Association held their annual field trip for members.  The goal for the day was to showcase a segment of the Byway by touring the route by car and also making stops along the way. These scenic tour stops included the commonly visited areas as well as a few not so frequented side trips. 

The successful and satisfying tour day began with the participants meeting in the Pines upper parking lot at 8:00am sharp to coordinate carpooling up the mountain. After all was organized, our group travelled up the Beasore [Bay’-sore] road to where it intersects the Byway at Cold Springs Summit. From the parking lot at Cold Springs Summit we took a short hike over to the viewing platform at Cold Springs Meadow. 

The bright colors of the blooming wildflowers added a pleasant contrast with the cool greens and warm browns of the meadow grasses and tall trees. While enjoying nature’s lovely summer show, the tour group noted some much needed viewing platform repairs including the removal of a fir snag that had landed on the walkway and platform narrowly missing the railing. Thankfully the downed tree caused no appreciable damage. 

The next stop on the Byway tour was famous Globe Rock.  As our group viewed the delicately balanced boulder, someone introduced the obligatory discussion of whether or not President Roosevelt really did take a photo on horseback next to Globe Rock. Our discussion produced no real consensus on the issue, but did keep us entertained.

We continued along the Byway to take in the views of meadows, forests and cabins stopping next at Portuguese Overlook which provides views of Shuteye Ridge and the fire lookout tower.  Our next stop was Jackass Meadow parking lot. On a short hike from there to the Jackass Meadow viewing platform, along the raised (and handicap accessible) walkway, we noted an accumulation of pine branches near the walkway which created a fire hazard.

 The weather was splendid indeed.  As the group started back, a decision was made to veer off onto the road that frames the southern flank of Jackass Meadow.  The SUVs made the trek along the dirt road easily and the Camry in the caravan valiantly forged the deep puddles and gullies to reach the Minarets Pack Station.  After poking around the pack station, talking to the packer for a while – he almost talked us into taking our next backpacking trip the easy way, have the horses pack our gear for us – and checking out the pack stock, we loaded up and returned to the Byway proper.

Next stop was Jones Store back towards Cold Springs Summit for lunch. Our group was served a variety of sandwiches and desserts, (the apple pie a la mode was big enough for two!), and we even were treated to a joke from Vern, the proprietor. 

Our bellies now full, part of the group decided to venture out the Devil’s Slide trail via McLeod Flat road, ostensibly to work off the pie and ice cream. A half hour trek down to Devil’s Slide turned into a split in the group with two members returning to the vehicles and the rest continuing down the trail to Angel Falls.  We all met up in the Angel Falls parking lot and were amazed to see how many people were cooling their heels in Willow Creek’s pools. The water felt wonderful on our feet after all of the driving and hiking. While enjoying the warm sunshine and cool water we recapped the tour and hike, discussed the work projects we had in mind and started planning the next Byway tour.

The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Association is comprised of local community members intent on bettering the Byway for future travelers.  There is much to see and learn along the Byway. Interested parties are invited to join our group and be a part of something positive in and for our community.

For more information please contact us by phone or email.

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Take a closer look at the beauty and spirit of the Sierra National Forest on the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. At first glance, the byway may look like any other forest road in central California. But on closer look, you may just uncover fascinating history and unprecedented recreation in the midst of the mountain landscapes of the Sierra Nevadas. The ridges and meadows of the mountain range unfold to expansive vistas of the Sierra National Forest.

Take a day trip to the year 1870, and catch a glimpse into the lives of settlers in early California at the Fresno Flats Historical Park. The park celebrates a slice of California history when settlers moved west to build new lives for themselves. Built around two restored and furnished homes, one-room schools, two 19th Century jails and several other farm buildings, you will get the chance to tour the historic site by yourself or with a knowledgeable guide.

Uncover the rich heritage of the Mono people at the Sierra Mono Indian Museum. Admire handcrafted baskets, which were an integral part of the tribe's trading culture. The museum also houses wildlife exhibits, tools, jewelry, and baskets from other North American Indian tribes.

Be sure to check out the recreation areas along this byway. The Mammoth Pool Reservoir off Highway 81 on the byway is a camping, hiking, and boating hotspot. The reservoir and adjoining San Joaquin River is renowned for fishing. Sky Ranch Road, an unpaved portion of the byway on the west end, is another gateway to fabulous outdoor recreation. Nelder Grove, a grove of Giant Sequoias, is a must-see site on this byway. Just north of the Kelty Meadow campground on Sky Ranch Road is access to the Fresno Dome hike. This 1.6 mile hike is an experience in itself, but the views of the San Joaquin Valley are certain to make the trip memorable.